Reasonable Accommodation and Modification Policy

Purpose:

Horizon is committed to providing reasonable accommodations and modifications to individuals with disabilities in accordance with state and federal fair housing laws. This policy outlines the procedures for requesting and implementing such accommodations and modifications.

Definitions:

• Reasonable Accommodation: A change, exception, or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or service that may be necessary for a resident with a disability to have equal opportunity for use and enjoyment of their apartment and facilities of the property. Examples include:
  • Providing rental forms in large print;
  • Providing a reserved accessible parking space near a resident’s rental;
  • Waiving a “no pets” policy for a resident with a service animal; or
  • Permitting a resident who has developed mobility limitations to move to the ground floor.
• Reasonable Modification: A structural change made to existing premises in order to afford a resident with a disability an equal opportunity for use and enjoyment of their apartment and facilities of the property. Examples include:
  • Widening a doorway for a wheelchair user;
  • Installing grab bars in a bathroom;
  • Lowering kitchen cabinets to a height suitable for a wheelchair user;
  • Adding a ramp and handrails to make a primary entrance accessible; or
  • Aletering a walkway to provide access to a public or common use area.
• If the request would impose an undue financial and administrative burden: A request is generally not reasonable if the accommodation or modification would impose an undue financial and administrative burden on Horizon. Horizon will determine on a case-by-case basis whether the request would impose an undue burden.

Policy:

1. Request Process:
   1. Residents can submit a request for a reasonable accommodation or modification verbally or in writing to any staff member.
   2. Upon receipt of a request for a reasonable accommodation or modification, staff must document receipt of the request in the Activity Log in the resident’s Entrata file with the tag “Reasonable Accommodation/Modification”. The Activity Log entry must include the requestor’s name, date of request, nature of the request, and the decision.
   3. An unreasonable delay in responding to the request can be considered the same as a denial.
      
   4. For guidance on how to create a Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Activity Log entry in Entrata, please see the “Reasonable Accommodation Activity Log Notes” attached hereto.
2. Review and Response:
   1. Horizon will review each request promptly and engage in an interactive process with the requester to determine whether the request is reasonable and necessary based on the requester’s disability-related needs and the impact on the property’s operations and structure.
   2. Horizon will respond to the request in writing within a reasonable timeframe, but not more than 14 days after receipt of the request. The response must be whether the request was approved, denied and with reasoning, or need further information.
   3. Any response, including the decision, must be updated in the Activity Log.
3. Implementation:
   1. If the requested accommodation or modification is approved, Horizon will implement it in a timely manner at no cost to the requestor.
   2. If the requested accommodation or modification is not approved solely because it would impose an undue financial and administrative burden to operations, then Horizon will agree to implement the requested accommodation or modification if the resident agrees to pay for its implementation.
   3. Reasonable modifications that involve structural changes may require the resident to enter into an agreement regarding responsibility for costs, restoration of the premises upon move-out, and other relevant terms depending on the scope of the request.
4. Confidentiality:
   1. All information related to requests for accommodations or modifications will be treated as confidential and will only be shared with individuals involved in the evaluation and implementation processes.

Documentation:

Throughout the evaluation and implementation process, it is critical for staff and management to document the process from the receipt of request. Any action taken, conversation with the resident, or correspondence with the resident or a third-party must be documented appropriately in the resident’s Activity Log in Entrata.

Compliance:

Horizon is committed to complying with all state and federal fair housing laws. Any inquiries or complaints regarding reasonable accommodations or modifications should be directed to your Regional Manager and Trevor Shearer, Director of Legal Affairs, TShearer@horizonra.com.

Conclusion:
This policy is intended to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to housing opportunities and services provided by Horizon. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all residents.

Resource:

• Reasonable Accommodation Activity Log Notes 

Date of Adoption: May 31, 2024
Date of Last Revision: